Does IHOP Take Food Stamps? [Updated]

As your friendly neighborhood dining guide, I’m here to provide the scoop on using food stamps at IHOP.

I know finding restaurants that accept EBT and food stamps can be tricky, so let me walk you through what to expect at IHOP.

The short answer is no, IHOP does not take food stamps or EBT cards as a direct form of payment.

However, keep reading and I’ll explain some options that may work for you.

About EBT and Food Stamps at Restaurants

First, it helps to understand the basics. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly food stamp benefits on EBT cards to qualifying low-income individuals and families.

The benefits are intended for grocery food purchases, not prepared restaurant meals. So most restaurants, including national chains like IHOP, do not directly accept EBT cards as payment.

However, some states allow exceptions for certain prepared foods – so policies can vary regionally. There are also workaround options.

read also: Does IHOP Have Turkey Bacon?

Indirect Ways to Use Food Stamps at IHOP

While you can’t hand over your EBT card at the register, here are some options that may work:

• Online delivery orders – Some IHOP locations allow online ordering and delivery through DoorDash. DoorDash accepts EBT SNAP online for delivery orders in some states.
• Meal kits – IHOP sells ready-to-cook meal kits at some grocery store chains, like Walmart. You may be able to purchase these with your EBT card at the grocery store to make at home.
• Gift cards – You could convert a portion of your benefits to an IHOP gift card using your EBT card at select retailers and then use the gift card to dine at IHOP.
• Cash withdrawals – Withdraw cash from your EBT account using your card at certain retailers and use the cash to dine at IHOP.

Policies Vary By State

The availability of these EBT workarounds can vary widely by state. Some states prohibit converting benefits to restaurant gift cards or using delivery services.

Your best bet is to directly contact your state benefit office for the most updated policies on stretching your food stamp dollars at restaurants.

The IHOP corporate policy is that EBT and food stamp cards are not accepted straight up as payment. But franchised locations in states with more flexible rules may offer options like gift cards or online orders. Check with your local restaurant.

Dine In or Take Out With Food Stamps

One other thing to note – IHOP only allows food stamp payment options for takeout or delivery orders. Dining inside an IHOP and trying to pay with EBT is not possible.

So if you want to enjoy your IHOP meal at the restaurant, you’ll need to use cash or another payment card. Using food stamps would only work for takeout or delivery.

I hope this breakdown gives you a better understanding of how to work within the food stamp parameters to enjoy IHOP’s pancakes and diner favorites! Let me know if you have any other IHOP dining questions.